How to apply a transaction log backup (Enterprise Manager)

Note If you are restoring a transaction log backup that does not have any backup set information listed in the backup history stored in the msdb database, such as a transaction log backup created on another server, see How to restore a backup from a backup device.

Using the backup history stored in the msdb database, SQL Server Enterprise Manager, by default, automatically allows you to apply the transaction log backups and all preceding database, differential database, and transaction log backups in a single step.

To apply a transaction log backup

1. Expand a server group; then expand a server.
2. Expand Databases, right-click the database, point to All Tasks, and then click Restore Database....
3. In Restore as database, enter or select the name of the database to restore if different from the default displayed.
4. On the General tab, click Database.
5. In the First backup to restore list, select the backup set to restore.
6. Select the database backup and/or the transaction log(s) to restore in the Restore list.

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   Note It is not possible to apply a transaction log backup:

   • Unless the database or differential database backup preceding the transaction log backup is restored first.
   • Unless all preceding transaction logs created since the database or differential database were backed up are applied first.
   • If the database has already recovered and all outstanding transactions have either been rolled back or rolled forward.

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7. On the Options tab, select:
   • Leave database operational. No additional transaction logs can be restored if no further transaction log backups are to be applied.
   • Leave database nonoperational, but able to restore additional transaction logs if another transaction log backup is to be applied.

See Also